Nazar Bonjuk is a Turkish good-luck "evil eye" charm, born of the age-old "evil eye" superstition that one person can cast a spellon another. To prevent this, form millennia Anatolian artisans have created blue glass "eyes" that "look" straight back at the spell-caster as if to say "I see what you're doing, and you can't get away with it!"
The Nazar Bonjuk (nah-ZAHR bohn-jook) has no religious significance, and few people really believe in the evil eye superstition anymore. But it's such an enjoyable tradition, and a beautiful little piece of craft-art, that you'll see Nazar Bonjuks all over Turkey.
Especially on babies! No self-respecting Turkish parents, no matter how worldly or sophisticated, would allow their precious bundle of joy to spend an unguarded moment without a Nazar Bonjukpinned to its snuggly, sunsuit or diaper.
The Nazar Bonjuk is not just for kids. I once attended a posh formal dinner hosted by a Turkish-American association in a luxurious Manhattan hotel. The elegant ladies were all in long gowns, the men in sharp tuxedos. Sure enough, one graceful lady circulated through the well-dressed crowd during the cocktail hour pinning Nazar Bonjuks on frilly straps and satin lapels. Everyone must be well protected!
The best Nazar Bonjuk evil eye charms are hand-crafted of blown glass in Turkey, and appear in many shapes and sizes. You'll see them on sale in Turkish bazaars and handicraft shops.
Here are more examples of Nazars straight from Turkey, and on-the-road stories about Nazars!
| Nazars in Turkey |
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